Today we hear the feeding of the 4000 in the Gospel of Mark. It is a similar event to the feeding of the 5000 which was near Bethsaida near the Sea of Galilee. This one is in the Decapolis a more gentile area.
It’s interesting because there is much symbolism in these events. First, the feeding of the 5000 was focused on the Children of Israel. Even the Greek word for basket in the original text referred to a kophinos that is a word a Jew used. It was a small kosher basket used for traveling. While the feeding of the 4000 event referred to spuris using the term a gentile would use for hamper.
The power of the miracles and location and words used are indicative of the all-inclusive nature of Christ’s mission. He came for all people and there is nothing he can’t do.
The scenes also show the compassion Jesus had for not only all of our spiritual needs but also our physical needs.
He is a God that sees all and care about the smallest thing going on in our life. And he cares when we are hungry or suffering.
As we are about to enter Lent next week we will be fasting at times, abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We ill be working on letting go of more things and habits that keep us from growing closer to God while adding devotions and prayers that bring us closer to God so we can receive his blessings and gifts.
He sees and appreciates even the smallest thing we do that we do for him. Whether it is removing a favorite food from our diet or making time for an additional short prayer during our day. He sees it. He knows when we give up things for him. And he knows when we take even the smallest step toward him. It matters. Even the little things.
This Lent should be about growth and change. Not a new diet program or offering something that has no effect on us. Write down a plan for what your Lent will look like this year and how you can have a great Lent. It’s important to Jesus and your spirit.
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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